Winter Witch

Prologue

The cold winter wind blew through the valley, freezing everything it touched, like the ice cold steel of the magic sword Markel wielded. He'd been in this place a thousand times already, so what was he afraid of?

This dream again.

The wind blew harder, billowing through the trees that towered over the dark forest. He knew exactly where he was. The dream was never ending. Always the same nightmare every time he would close his eyes. Only this time, it was real. He was really there. The dream he'd had since he was a boy was finally coming true. Slowly, but surely, he moved forward, being careful not to make a sound in the deep, frozen snow.

He felt as though he could navigate that place. He could, really, if it were Spring and not Winter.

Winters in the mountainous region were harder to hunt during than the Spring. Where most hunters would wait until Spring, Markel was different. He wasn't like most hunters. He loved a good challenge, even if it meant his prey escaped, and he had to chase it. He didn't care what season it was. The challenge of moving silently was more than enough for him.

Markel noticed the movement from his peripheral vision before he heard the sound of cracking branches and the giant beast leaping at him. A Black Panthorion. A very large one at that. It roared at him in challenge, hoping Markel would run. Markel stood his ground, sword welded at the ready. He wasn't afraid. His lips quivered into an excited smile. His heart raced with anticipation. He felt and assessed the strength of the beast and took it up on its challenge!

Come at me! I dare you!

He glared at the Panthorion. The beast roared in response. The challenge had begun. The Panthorion leapt at Markel. It leapt high into the air. The leap allowed it to cross more than half the field between them. It ran with such speed, Markel wasn't certain at first if he'd be able to dodge it or not. He managed to move out of the beast's path at the last second.

Markel's heart raced. Not with fear but with excitement! He had to defeat this beast no matter what it cost him! He waited for the right moment to strike, just barely managing to dodge the beast's attacks. One attack he didn't dodge in time. The Panthorion's large claws nearly tore his arm off at the shoulder. Luckily, Markel was wearing a special armor made from moonstones. The armor was thin and light, but the magic enhanced the durability and defense.

The next attack he would strike back. The Panthorion roared, seemingly angry that its last attack hadn't even harmed the man before him. It was obvious by the foul stench of its breath that it had slaughtered many creatures, including humans. It leapt once more at Markel, but the man was ready this time.

Today you die!

He wielded his sword, swinging it in a high arc, aiming for the beast's belly. The tip of his sword barely managed to catch the belly of the beast, but it was enough. The sword cut deep enough for the magic within it to begin working. In seconds, the beast's blood completely froze, and it fell to the ground in a heap.

Markel wiped the snow from his clothes and armor and wiped his blade. His job was done. All he had to do now was drag the beast back to the village, collect his reward for the bounty, and continue on in his journey. He didn't care about fame or fortune. He just needed money, food and shelter, even for a fortnight.

He sheathed his sword. The magic in the sheath kept the sword from accidently freezing him when not in use. Not that it hadn't already chosen him. The blade supposedly belonged to a witch who lived in his village ages ago. People still feared the sword as if it would kill them if they even dared to look upon it. Markel had no problems with it. His resilience to the cold made the blade very happy. He didn't know why, but it did. Perhaps it was because of the one day when he was twelve. He had found the sword just outside the village, leaning up against a tree.

At first, he was wary of it, but he soon moved closer to it. He felt it call to him. When he drew the blade, it cut him. Instead of his blood freezing however, it instead seemed to warm the blade. He sheathed the sword, placing it back against the tree. He rushed home to tell his parents. By the time he wanted to tell them the story, his cut had already healed completely.

After he had cut his hand on the blade, his blood flowing down into the sheath, there was a mighty wind. It blew through the forest, nearly knocking Markel down the hillside. He gripped tightly to the sword. After the wind died down, Markel opened his eyes. A beautiful maiden stood before him.

"I am Gracia. I know not of who you are."

"My name is Markel," he spoke aloud. He looked around to see if anyone else was nearby.

"Do not fret, dear little one. We are perfectly alone. Only you can perceive my presence here."

"Who are you exactly?" Markel wondered just who the lady before him was. She was very beautiful with snow white hair and skin. A blue coat lined with fur covered her body.

"That will be answered for you on time. Trust in me, and I will allow you full control of my power. Your blood is special. It will come in handy for the task I need completed."

"What task would that be?" The woman remained silent. "Please? I want to know!"

"Wait a little longer, dear child. When you have fully matured into a man and have proven your strength, then and only then will the task be revealed to you. My time is up. I will be waiting here for you. Come to me again when you have grown."

"Wait! I have more questions tho-" A great wind blew through the forest once more. When it died down, Markel awakened.

Was all that just a dream? He sheathed the sword and ran home.

Markel didn't know where the spirit had gone, nor if he would be able to awaken her again. He only knew he had to find a way, so he could speak to her and learn of the task he needed to complete for her. Maybe he would even learn of her true identity. Maybe. It was a long stretch, but he would die trying to find out, even if he had to destroy her in the process.

Markel gripped the beast's three tails, dragging it to the nearest town. He would definitely get his money worth.